Jerry Simon

On a slate roof, we use snow-dogs (a regional term I'm sure) to break-up sheets of ice or snow snow they don't slide-off the roof in large pieces and cause damage or injury. How would one prevent snow/ice sliding concerns for the panels on the front part of this garage roof?

Like Jim said, carpeting . . .

That's pretty good. Mit should do one of those.

I used to drop off house plans for approval downtown Chicago back in the mid-70's for my family's general contracting biz. $20 back then.

Hey Mike, Nothing definite, but like you, I've seen hundreds and hundreds of newer (Danley?) garages in Chicago, and can't ever recall finding one with an overhead feed.

Exact language is already in Illinois' Standards of Practice.

That's what I do. Doesn't seem *right*, though, to recommend a client spend five-figures to do such remodeling. We have all seen this in homes from the '20's and earlier, and I can't see anyone acting upon us advising a complete stairway replacement. That's why I was hoping someone had a better/different way to address this/report on this.

True, but they clearly state that we have to report: . . .Whether the reported deficiency should be corrected or monitored.

Our State Standards of Practice say: Report on those systems and components inspected that, in the opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient including: A) A reason why, if not self evident, the system or component is significantly deficient. B) Whether the reported deficiency should be corrected or monitored. (bold mine) So, you inspect a stairway that's extremely steep, has very low headroom, has inconsistent tread widths and riser heights, and other related problems. The only cure is to spend an s-load of money and re-build the entire stairwell. Do/would you tell your client to correct the hazards as dictated by our state standards (or, *monitor* and be really really really careful)? And, not-withstanding our state standards concern, how else do you folk write-up such stairs?

Rear addition on house now contains the meterbox for the main underground electrical service entrance cables. Meterbox is enclosed in an interior wall cubby about 10' in from the new exterior wall. Never seen a meterbox with other than an exterior location. I explained that in the event of a fire, the fire depart would have a bit of trouble locating the main service panel since they can't use the meterbox as a hint to the likely location of the main panel. I also suggested this may not be permitted by the local electrical utility company, or by the local building code for that matter. (And, if such is prohibited for whatever reason, that suggests the lack of a building permit for the addition.) Other than that, what else should I think/know about this very atypical meterbox interior location? Thanks! FYI: Main disconnect/service equipment is in the basement, not at the meterbox.

Wood frame house with what appears to be a split face block veneer (approx 3-4" thick block veneer installed atop a concrete foundation up against a wood stud wall). Some of the block is stained brown, and a few of the weep-screeds are stained brown. Appears staining is from wood components (tannin) or corrosion from lintels behind the veneer? Flashings and weeps appear to be well done. Any concerns with this being split-face block (versus structural concerns with a structrual split-face block)?

The chimney base looks like a Rorschach inkblot. You noted the one bad ridge shingle I assume. . .(sorry, couldn't resist).

As ol' WJ used to say, rainwater doesn't *need* anything. . .

"Chicago’s public baths were simple and utilitarian. Most were named after notable public officials. Separate facilities for men and women were not provided; they were simply accommodated for on different days. A waiting room was usually provided in a small outcropping to the side of the main building. The early bathhouses were built with very little ornament with the exception of the name of the bath above the entrance. Later bathhouses appear to have been built with more design in mind, but they were still very simple overall."

Good ol' Mayor Medill